Short-Term Rentals

17.42.170 Short-term rentals.

Short-Term Rental Permit Standards and Agreement


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my home as a short-term rental (STR)?

Any duplex or dwelling as defined in Marina City Code (17.04.260, 17.04.265, 17.04.270, 17.04.280, 17.04.290) is eligible for use as a short-term rental (STR) regardless of zone. The duplex or dwelling must be a primary residence, which is defined as an owner’s permanent residence or usual place of return for housing as documented by at least two forms of identification.

Only dwelling units that are owner-occupied are available for use as short-term rentals. Long-term rental units cannot be used as STRs.

What do I need to operate an STR in Marina?

There are three things that you will need to operate an STR in Marina:

  1. STR Permit
  2. Business License
  3. Transient Occupancy Tax

STR Permit

All STRs must operate with a valid STR Permit issued by the City of Marina Community Development Department. Filing an application for an STR Permit costs $160, and the annual renewal fee is $115.

The first step is to apply for an STR Permit applications, which can be done using the Online Permit Portal. Select "Apply Now" under Development Projects and if you are a new user click "Register Now" to create an account. Then select "Short Term Rental Permit" from the drop down list and follow the steps including uploading proof that you live in the home as your principal residence.

Business License

All STR owners must maintain a valid business license once they receive approval from the Planning Division. Please visit Marina.hdlgov.com or call (831) 233-6558 to obtain a business license. 

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)

All STR owners must pay monthly the fourteen percent (14%) Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) per MMC Chapter 3.12. You can pay the monthly STR TOT online through HdL's TOT Portal. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact HdL directly by phone: (831) 233-6558 or by email: marina@hdlgov.com. 

When did the STR ordinance go into effect?

The ordinance went into effect on December 5, 2019, which is 30 days after the City Council’s second reading of the draft ordinance. 

When will my short-term rental permit expire?

STR permits expire on June 30th of each calendar year regardless of date issued. Permits must be renewed annually in order for the property to continue operation as an STR. As noted above the renewal fee is $115.

Are Short-Term Rentals allowed in an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a Junior ADU (JADU)?

Accessory units (ADUs and JADUs) shall not be rented for a period of less than thirty-one (31) days (Marina Municipal Code 17.42.040(C)(10)(iii)). Therefore, property owners are prohibited from using ADUs and JADUs as short-term rentals.

What is transient occupancy tax?

Transient occupancy tax, or TOT, is a local tax set forth in Chapter 3.12 of the Marina Municipal Code. The tax is paid by a guest when paying for an STR. The collected TOT is then remitted to the City. In Marina, the TOT rate is 14% and is due at the end of every month for every active STR. Both STR owners and online hosting platforms bear responsibility for ensuring TOT is collected and remitted to the City. You can pay the monthly STR TOT online through HdL's TOT Portal. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact HdL directly by phone: (831) 233-6558 or by email: marina@hdlgov.com. 

How many STR's am I allowed to have?

One - “Primary residence” means an owner’s permanent residence or usual place of return for housing as documented by at least two forms of identification. An owner may have only one primary residence at any given time.